Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mdsb87]

Hi,

To date I have been paid on the 15th of the month. So the first month I was paid from the 1st - 15th and every other month from the 15th to the 15th.

Now my boss wants to change this. This month he wants to pay on the 15th for work done from the 15th June to the 30th June i.e. pay half what I have earned. Then next pay day (15 Aug) he will pay for 1st July to the 31st July.

So he is essentially withholding a half month worth of pay until the contract ends.

Is this allowed? Are there any laws about with holding for 5 months? Or do I have to just let it be and hope to get the money back at the end of the contract?

Thanks.

[Gorf]

Labor board, labor board, labor board. No, it's not okay. Tell him you're going to get them involved if he pulls this, and if he still does, well, get them involved.

Either way, that's a sign that the company may be hemorrhaging money and you might want to start looking for a new job or getting your affairs in order. Be prepared for things to turn on a dime.

[mdsb87]

Ya it's a fact that the business is short on cash at the moment. He's had to fly in 3 new teachers in the past 2 months and has to fly in another in the next few weeks.

He's saying the tax office recommended this change. . . pure lies.

My main concern is that this month I have my holidays (on a date he chose) and won't be able to afford it without getting a loan from my mother.

What a *beep* though!

[mdsb87]

Also what are the documents required to get a new job once in country. I have apostilled photo copies of my degree scroll in English. I also have old criminal background checks apostilled but they would be almost 9 months old. Any good?

[Gorf]

So hunker down and stay in Korea. Sorry, but that's the way it's gotta go.

As for the docs, if you've been there over 6 months and worse comes to worst, you should be able to get a letter of release and you'll be okay, but I'm not an expert on visa renewal, hopefully ttompatz will see this thread, he usually knows the current visa laws.

Background check docs are only a problem if you do a runner, I think, since you would leave without notice or getting a letter of release.

The smart thing to do now would be to research visa transfers and visa renewal laws with regards to you current situation.

[mdsb87]

I've already shelled out for flights which can't be cancelled so I will be going on hols even if I have to pay back money later.

Ya hopefully Ttompatz can put his oar in!

Thanks.

[marsavalanche]

[mdsb87]

So I must get a Korean criminal check and that is all will I have to get one from my home country also or is it assumed that it's clean because I have gotten in on an E2 already ?

[Ramen]

what do you think, op?

if it's ok with you, fine. if not, fight it like a champ.

[koreatimes]

[nathanrutledge]

wow, lots of reactionary thoughts here...

GEPIK used to pay on the 25th of the month and a few years back they switched to the 17th. Nothing wrong with changing the pay periods.

I WOULD however suggest to your boss that he pays you for the two weeks at the beginning of the month, and THEN pay at the end of the month - having a boss hold onto pay for 6 weeks doesn't seem like a good idea.

Also, what does your contract say? When GEPIK switched, my school gave me a new contract with the amended section. I'd bring this up with the boss - "the contract says X, so you need to do X, or we need a new contract."

But don't get all bent out of shape until you know whats going on. It's very likely that it's a tax/accounting thing and if you go off on your boss in a huff, what's that going to accomplish? Be cool and calm about it, but be direct and get it straightened out.

[koreatimes]

[Skippy]

Was to be posted last night but here it is now!

I do not think it is illegal to change the pay date. He has given you enough warning of future changes. But unless he does not pay at the end then he will likely be held accountable.

Here is the question you need to ask - do you want to keep you job? You work with him you will keep your job. But if you are difficult and make his life difficult, you will likely be let go with a flimsy excuse. And no you will likely not get your severance, plane ticket, or even a letter of release. You will be simply be put out, without a job. You will likely not be able to walk to a new job. Now that is fine if you have your paperwork and enough money to make a visa trip. But if you have do not have your paperwork ready you will be even more screwed then having to wait for your pay. Are you willing to pay for your ticket back home? Do you have enough money to last you till you get your paperwork. Paperwork can takes months to get ready. Then you also have to find a job - getting a ok job can take a few more weeks. You said no to having enough money.

Now I am not saying you should let your boss walk all over you. Get it set down and if possible in writing about the changes and when you will get paid. Make it understood that you will give some leeway but only so much. Negotiate - you might have to give up some stuff to get more stuff in the future. The more stubborn you are the more likely things will go bad for you. You might even consider having a pre-signed letter of release in the case that he can not pay you can walk free and clear.

Still you are in a slight lose and lose badly situation. Some more advice is work with your boss, and start preparing your paperwork for the future. Because if he is having financial difficulty - school might not last much longer.

[SeoulNate]